The Alternative Break and Service Learning trips give students the opportunity to embark off-campus with peers, engage in community service, and gain an understanding of pertinent social issues through experiential learning.
Alternative Break Trips are organized twice a year during winter and spring break for any student interested in community-based learning. Through these experiences the COVE strives to train students as leaders and advocates for social change. Students are encouraged to take an active role in applying for and leading trips that challenge their perspective of the world.
Winter 2025 Alternative Break Opportunities
Affordable Homeownership with Habitat for Humanity
Taos, New Mexico (January 12 - 18, 2025)
Trip Fee: $400 - Financial Aid Available
Steadfastly adhering to a philosophy of a “hand-up, not a hand-out,” Habitat for Humanity of Taos is a powerful engine of collaboration and reciprocity whereby those who qualify–by having a history of steady income, verifiable need and a willingness to work hard–soon become engineers of their own dreams of homeownership. Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Participants will work alongside Habitat staff and volunteers in direct service on residential construction sites to help build affordable homes and complete critical home repairs. You may also assist at the Habitat ReStore which saves reusable household items and construction material from landfills. You will have the opportunity to reflect on the landscape of affordable housing and compare the strengths and limitations of policy solutions.
Applications are due by midnight on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
Hunger & Homelessness Outreach in Our Capital
Washington, D.C. (January 13 - 18, 2025)
Trip Fee: $400 - Financial Aid Available
Participants will spend the week exploring the history, causes and consequences of homelessness and food insecurity in the U.S. through dynamic service-learning opportunities at a variety of community and non-profit organizations including, The National Coalition for the Homeless, ONE DC, Martha's Table, and more. Through discussions, interactions with speakers and educational workshops, you will compare the strengths and limitations of emergency food and housing programs, federal food and nutrition assistance and community-based approaches to organizing for change. Additionally, you will be afforded the opportunity to explore and make connections between food insecurity/lack of affordable housing and the history of racial injustice in the United States.
Applications are due by midnight on Thursday, October 10, 2024.